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Buhala Lodge

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Traveller (306)
Room & Suite (76)
Dining (24)
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About

#2 of 7 lodges in Malelane
Location
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Value
Travellers' Choice
Buhala Lodge is an enchanting five star colonial style lodge, situated on the Southern banks of the Crocodile River. The ample veranda space, provides all guests an opportunity to relax and dine outside while admiring gorgeous views of the Kruger National Park, and all the wild life splendor it has to offer. Members of the Big 5 are frequent visitors to our property along with hippo, crocodile and many antelope species. Buhala Lodge is well known for exceptional cuisine and a wine list showcasing only the best South African wines. Dinners are served either al fresco or in our gracious dining room. Dinners are as a three course meal with some options offered. The menu changes daily and dietary requirements are attended to with prior notice. Our guests have the rare opportunity to play golf at the exclusive LEOPARD CREEK COUNTRY CLUB which is usually only reserved for members. An open air bush spa is available at Buhala for guests who want to relax after a long day of game viewing.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Public wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Hiking
Fishing
Airport transportation
Full body massage
Parking
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Massage
Neck massage
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Private bathrooms
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

Kruger National Park, N4, Malelane 1320 South Africa
Buhala Lodge
700Reviews2Q+A66Room tips
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DG wrote a review 17 Mar
Northampton, United Kingdom3 contributions
+1
Our first safari and wow - what a place!! Buhala Lodge is fantastic all round. Amazing rooms, very attentive staff, friendly and personable service, delicious and abundant food AND incredible views of the crocodile river and Kruger Park. Paradise for animal lovers and those keen on exploring the great outdoors. As a keen golfer, a plus point is they also have an affiliation with the world class Leopard Creek golf club (we’ve played it 4 times whilst here!!) The safari trips (we’ve had 4 of them too) are out of this world. Bordering the Kruger, if you stay at the Buhala Lodge you can gain entry to the park earlier than most and therefore get to see animals in private before the crowds arrive. We’ve seen Leopards, Wild Dogs, Lions, Elephants, Zebra, Monkeys, Hippos, Crocodiles, Giraffes, Buffalo, Wildebeest within the park - BUT ALSO - most of them from the hotel balcony!!!! Honestly, if you want an amazing stay and safari experience, book here. All this is possible not only due to the location of Buhala, but the incredible team that work here. A special thank you goes out to the management team of Marjie, Shaun, Elsa & Gary who cannot do enough for you, are incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. They all go out of their way to make your holiday the best it can be. Thank you!!
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Marie F wrote a review Aug 2022
Weston, Massachusetts13 contributions4 helpful votes
Property's Favourite Review
We recently stayed at Buhala Lodge again having stayed there 3 years ago with our friends. WE LOVED IT SO MUCH! Marjie (hilarious) at the front desk, Gary (what a photographer!) at the front desk, Sean (safari guide extraordinaire!) who we requested and paid a little extra to have him all to ourselves...he KNOWS the habits of the animals and KNOWS exactly what and where and how to enjoy them and get the best photos because he is a beautiful photographer as well! Then there is the lodge itself...OMG!!!! Our room with a private veranda overlooks the Crocodile River in Krueger and in the evening we watch the sun go down in all its brilliance and glory-you have never seen a sunset like this! I like to enjoy a serene bath looking at the river and the rich colors of bougainvillea outside the bathroom window. (Room #13) There are lounging/sitting areas all over the lodge, a bar area, pool and wonderful large veranda to view the animals who wander about as you sip a finely crafted cocktail before dining al fresco by candlelight. The atmosphere is gentle, subdued, sophisticated. Linen napkins contorted into animal figures in your water glass lit by the lantern, fine wines (there is a beautiful glass enclosed wine room!) and very, very inexpensive, you just can't believe it! The food is the best ever, we are foodies and know good food...this is exceptional, this is truly 5 star cuisine. You choose what you want even morning from plenty of options. Let's see, what else? Oh we like to play golf and was able to play Leopard Creek, a fine private club, about a 15 minute drive. If you stay at Buhala Lodge you get to play there, otherwise no. All in all, this is the place to stay. We stayed at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai as we flew Emirates from JFK (they call it the only 7 star hotel in the world) and once we got to the lodge we decided that there was NO comparison...Buhala Lodge is simply the most beautiful place to stay and we have traveled everywhere. Make your travel plans...and enjoy!!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Buhala Lodge, Owner at Buhala Lodge
Responded 7 Aug 2022
Dear Marie and Edson, wow thank you for this raving review! We all so loved having you and Edson come stay and experience all that our beautiful lodge has to offer! Our river view rooms really are a treat being able to watch our breath-takingly beautiful red/pink sunsets over the Crocodile river and Kruger Park. We know that you so badly wanted to extend your stay but couldn't due to flights, so we hope to welcome you back in the near future! Warm Regards, the Buhala Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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JBC2013 wrote a review 12 Mar
Lisbon, Portugal6 contributions
I spent 4 days and 3 nights with my girlfriend at the Buahala Lodge and seriously recommend it. The hotel is beautiful, very well decorated, with incredible views to the Crocodile River and the Kruger Park. Taking showers while looking at elephants or having dinner 20 meters away from a herd of buffaloes are normal things at the Buahala Lodge. The staff is very kind and professional and the food is delicious. We did all the morning and afternoon safaris we could and loved it. Elsa is a top guide. The whole experience was superb and at a very reasonable price!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Buhala Lodge, Owner at Buhala Lodge
Responded 5 days ago
Dear José, thank you for taking the time to write a wonderful review. We loved having you & Vera stay with us. We know you had some fantastic game drives and sightings!. Please do come visit again! Warm Regards, The Buhala Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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stewartveasey wrote a review 9 Mar
London, United Kingdom1 contribution
My wife and I stayed here for Four days in February. Buhala Lodge is a fantastic place to stay on every level, the rooms, food and staff are all excellent. We were very sad to leave but we will be back.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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hennikoyack wrote a review 2 Mar
London, United Kingdom1 contribution
What a special trip we had at Buhala! Before we even arrived we felt welcomed and like nothing was too much trouble. Carol pre arranged our activities, an elephant sanctuary visit (which was unreal) and our safari trips and answered any questions I had. And that continued once we arrived with rockstars Marjie and Garry who made us feel truly at home and were wonderful with the kids. The whole staff couldn't have been more friendly or done more for us and as for the hotel...wow. Its a little slice of heaven on earth, so peaceful and relaxing, the lodge has a special feel to it, esepcially when you can animal spot just off the deck overlooking the river. The food is impeccable and the rooms are fabulous and clean. We stayed in both the standard rooms and the elephant suites and both were wonderful in their own way (the elephant suites are really special though!) the only downside was having to leave! but we will definitely be back.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Buhala Lodge, Owner at Buhala Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Henni, It was so sad to see you all leave... We loved having you,Gina, Dyana & Kaia ( and all her stuffed animals ;) ) stay with us at our special and beautiful Lodge! We glad you got to experience all the wonderful activities that we have to offer- elephant whispers, safari & the prestigious Leopard Creek golf course. We really do try to go above and beyond for our guests and happy to hear that you felt attended to and made to feel at home. Please do escape the cold again to visit us where theres always warm weather in this little slice of heaven on earth, Buhala Lodge ;) Take care and hopefully see you all soon. Warm Regards, The Buhala lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Mårten wrote a review Feb 2024
Östersund, Sweden2 contributions
We have traveled all over the world with the family, Buhala Lodge we currently rank as the best place we have ever experienced. Everything was top notch. Absolutely in love with the place. There is not even one little thing to complain about
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Buhala Lodge, Owner at Buhala Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Mårten, wow thank you for the raving review! and to rank us as the best hotel you have ever experienced is just a huge compliment- thank you. We so loved having you and Helen stay with us! We hope to welcome you back in the near future! take care and warm regards, The Buhala Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Keith C wrote a review Feb 2024
United Kingdom59 contributions18 helpful votes
We chose Buhala Lodge as it was the closest tied in accommodation for Leopards Creek Golf Club. We were not disappointed from arrival to departure the experience was first class. The staff were excellent and helpful and at the same time discreet . The meals on the lawn as the sun was setting was memorable and a real taste of Africa. The accommodation is very well maintained with large individual rooms and fresh clean linen . Finally the views over the crocodile river were fantastic, we saw Elephants at first hand over the balcony and hippos bathing in the river . Our own private Kruger experience from a luxury view point. Thanks to all for the stay .
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Kestrel51 wrote a review Feb 2024
Nottingham5 contributions3 helpful votes
A superb peaceful location with great views of the animals and birds. Excellent service from the staff, delicious food and the facilities were kept very clean. Room 13 was very spacious with great views up and down the Crocodile river. I would certainly recommend it as a base for Kruger.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Buhala Lodge, Owner at Buhala Lodge
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for taking the time to write a wonderful review! We loved having you stay at our beautiful lodge and glad that you had a lovely time. Hopefully we can welcome you back soon! Warm Regards, The Buhala Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Carol H wrote a review Feb 2024
Sheffield, United Kingdom4 contributions
We stayed in the fabulous Elephant suite which was a great place for just sitting watching the animals on the banks of the river. The whole experience was amazing; eating lovely foodd outside under the African skies, the game drive into Kruger to see 3 of the big 5 and golf at Leopard Creek. Thank you to the Buhala Team for such a wonderful experience.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Buhala Lodge, Owner at Buhala Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear carol, Thank you for taking the time to review our Lodge. We so glad that you had a wonderful stay and got to experience our beautiful recently renovated Elephant suites- they truly are magnificent. Please do come visit again for more golf at the prestigious Leopard creek and to see the remaining 2 of the big five ;) Warm Regards, The Buhala Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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glendamhanmer wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
My final destination of a 3 week visit to South Africa - Wow and what a wonderful hidden treasure, Buhala Lodge is. Breakfast with Elephants and dinner with baby hippo’s, water hogs etc. beautiful sunsets over looking Crocodile River. Excellent food served by extremely friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful place.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
HK$2,057 - HK$2,534 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaMpumalangaMalelane
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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BUHALA LODGE - Updated 2024 Prices & Reviews (Malelane, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about Buhala Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Buhala Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Buhala Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Buhala Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Buhala Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Buhala Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Buhala Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Buhala Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Does Buhala Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.